Exploring peoples' needs in a psychiatric ward: social community, design and the interior environment in a healthcare setting

摘要

This article examines ways to improve the functioning of an in-patient psychiatric ward. Included in the study is a review of psychology and design, an overview of the physical setting and existing services on the ward, as well as feedback from patients and staff regarding potential solutions on how to redesign the interior spaces so as to promote staff-patient community practices and to adhere to their needs. The findings suggest that the interior environments in psychiatric wards affect the functioning and well-being of those who reside or work in the setting and that input from patients and staff can add valuable information on how the spaces might be reconfigured.